George Pettigrew and his papa must leave the California rancho they'd lived on since his birth. They end up in New York City, where Papa marries and George gets a new beloved mama. George also meets Frank and Bart who become fast friends, and in Bart's case, even more.<br><br>The start of the Civil War leaves George the man of the family, but although he’s found a job, it’s difficult to pay the ever-increasing rent. Then Papa dies at Appomattox and Mama falls ill.<br><br>After Mama dies, her father takes George’s siblings. When George learns his younger sister is being abused, he rescues the three children. But will dressing his sisters as boys and himself as a woman be enough of a disguise to keep them safe until they can reach the valley he’s dreamed of? Will Bart leave behind his own family and go with the man he loves?

Home Before Sundown

“Thank you, George!” Olivia pulled him into an embrace and kissed his cheek, then took the flowers. “Thank you.”


After Tom helped her into the dogcart, he drew his son aside. “I’m proud of you, Georgie.”


“For making your mama happy. For remembering them when I’d forgotten.” Tom turned George and gave him a gentle swat on his seat. “Now, mount up. We have a wedding to go to.” 12


It was a simple ceremony, performed by the Reverend Newton Stephens, a friend of Tom’s who’d been a chaplain during the Mexican-American War and who now ran a small ministry on Houston Street. Tom had run into him when he’d been taking a fare to that part of town. Since they’d parted ways before Tom went to California and met Analeigh, Newt didn’t know anything about George, and Tom felt it was safe enough to renew their friendship.


Tom had gone to see him the night before, after making sure George and Olivia were safely tucked away in their hotel rooms.


Chapter 26